Traffic controller in coma after being struck by car as CFMEU voices workplace safety fears

A Brisbane traffic controller was left in a life-threatening condition after being struck by a car at a Brisbane City Council worksite which the CFMEU claims was not following regulations.

Traffic controller Michael De Voss was struck by a car while working at a Kelvin Grove worksite.

A 69-year-old Brisbane traffic controller was placed into a coma after he was struck by a vehicle at work in the early hours of Friday.

Michael De Voss, an AVADA employee, was setting up a closed lane for a Brisbane City Council worksite on Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove, about 1.40am when he was hit by a 70-year-old driver.

Mr De Voss suffered serious head injuries, a punctured lung and a fractured hip. He also broke ribs, his collar bone and legs.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said Mr de Voss was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a “life-threatening condition”.

Close friend and colleague Simone Fischer said the result of his injuries led the doctors and next of kin making the call to place him into a medically induced coma.

Mr de Voss was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a “life-threatening condition”. Photo: CFMEU

“He has gained consciousness now but is still in a terrible condition,” Ms Fischer said.

“Vossey is not only a work colleague, he has become like family to a lot of traffic controllers. His love for the job and his kind, quirky and positive attitude is something you notice straight away when you meet him.”

CFMEU QLD and NT Offsite Coordinator Blake Hynes described the safety incident as “catastrophic”.

“This is the second safety incident involving a Queensland council traffic controller in the past month,” Mr Hynes said.

“The traffic controller was setting up a busy, multi-lane road on his own. Under the regulations, he should have had the support of at least one other worker and a ute to provide an extra layer of protection.

“This incident illustrates why traffic control is one of the most dangerous jobs. What might seem like a small error by management can lead to a major injury for the worker – or even a fatality.

Mr Haynes said under the regulations, Mr De Voss should have had the support of at least one other worker and a ute to provide an extra layer of protection.

“This preventable incident was the result of safety oversights by management at Brisbane City Council asphalt services,” he said.

Mr Hynes said CFMEU was calling for all outdoor council workers across Queensland to be treated with the same dignity and respect as the indoor workers.

A Brisbane City Council spokesman said this matter was under investigation by Queensland Police and Queensland Workplace Health and Safety.

“Council will act on any recommendations made,” a spokesman said.

Mr De Voss’s colleagues have started a GoFundMe page to support him during his recovery.

“We are asking for you to dig deep to help a friend and family member while we go about figuring out how he was left in such a tragic situation,” Ms Fischer said.